Wesley Corpus

To Hester Anne Roe Date: LONDON, January 7, 1782. Source: The Letters of John Wesley (1782) Author: John Wesley --- My DEAR HETTY, -- You should always have in readiness that little tract The Plain Account of Christian Perfection. There is nothing that would so effectually stop the mouths of those who call this ‘a new doctrine.’ All who thus object are really (though they suspect nothing less) seeking sanctification by works. If it be by works, then certainly these will need time in order to the doing of these works. But if it is by faith, it is plain a moment is as a thousand years. Then God says (in the spiritual as in the outward world), Let there be light, and there is light. I am in great hopes, as John Sellars [See letter of Jan. 18.] got his own soul much quickened in Macdesfield, he will now be a blessing to many at Chester. A few witnesses of pure love remain there still; but several are gone to Abraham's bosom. Encourage those in Macclesfield who enjoy it to speak explicitly what they do experience, and to go on till they know all that ‘love of God that pusseth knowledge.’ Give all the help you can, my dear Hetty, to them, and to Yours most affectionately.